Wormit in spotlight for solar farm development

Liz Rougvie

Wormit could be the location for one of Scotland’s first-ever solar farms, if ambitious proposals are given the go-ahead.

Plans are soon to be unveiled for a 27-acre facility on land to the north of Wormit Plant and Quarry.

Its prospective developer, Bath-based Green Hedge Renewables, says the plant would generate enough energy to power around 1360 homes.

Green Hedge hopes to lodge a full planning application at the end of May, but in the meantime the company is holding a public exhibition on Thursday, April 16, at which residents can see and comment on the plans.

“The proposals are for an 11 hectare, 27 acre solar farm that would generate 4mw of clean, renewable energy, enough to power around 1360 homes,” said Tom Selway of Green Hedge.

“This would be one of the first solar farms in Scotland. Solar technology has come a long way in the last three years meaning solar is now a viable source of low carbon energy in Scotland.

“Green Hedge Renewables is one of the country’s most established developers of ground mounted solar PV and to date have developed 18 sites, helping power around 35,000 houses.

“We believe strongly in working with communities and promoting biodiversity and ecology on our sites.”

Green Hedge Renewables is part of the Green Hedge Group, founded in 2010.

Previously trading as AEE Renewables, Green Hedge changed its name after becoming fully owned by its employees, who decided to focus exclusively on the UK market.

Its name aims to reflect how solar farms enable farmers and businesses to hedge against volatile electricity and commodity prices, and help society head off and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.

It also refers to the new and reinforced green hedges around the company’s ‘best practice’ solar farms, which it says provide valuable wildlife habitats and careful visual screening.

In the case of the proposed Wormit facility. Mr Selway said the site was ‘relatively well screened’ from surrounding views.

Councillor Tim Brett, who represents the Wormit area on Fife Council, said he hoped as many people as possible would go along to the exhibition, which takes place from 3pm until 7pm in Wormit East Hall, Riverside Road.